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Cyber bullying must be tackled

Sinn Féin MLA Caitriona Ruane has met with the ‘Beat the
Bully’ group to discuss cyber bullying and how we can make the Internet a safer
and enjoyable place for children.

Ms. Ruane stated,

“The internet can be a great educational and fun experience
and a way to keep in contact with friends and family across the globe. However like all aspects of life there are
those who abuse it for their own means like grooming children and bullying
children.

“We recently heard of cases where young people took their own
lives due to cyber bullying and today I met with ‘Beat the Bully’ to discuss
ways of making the internet a safe experience for children.

“It is apt given that Tuesday 5th February is
‘Internet Safety Day’ that we look at ways of protecting our children from
Internet bullies. There is no doubt that
in today’s cyber world of technology this form of bullying is as dangerous as
the infamous schoolyard bully.

“I was impressed with the work that they have carried out so
far and will work with them to ensure that their project gets a fair hearing
from the various departments that look after the health and safety of our
children.

“I would ask parents to look at their children’s computer
routines and without being too intrusive ensure that they are not being pressurised
by others online.”